The best thing about a shrimp boil is that it’s perfect for any occasion! Hosting a boil outdoors on a warm day is the way to go, but what's great is that the weather or season has no say in when it’s time to start one up. If you need help on where to start with your own shrimp boil, Biloxi Shrimp Co. has a rundown of how to make your shrimp boil unforgettable with the right ingredients to make it shine!
What’s a Shrimp Boil?
A shrimp boil can go by many names depending on where you’re from. For example, it’s known around the United States as the Low-Country Boil, a Frogmore Stew or a Farmer’s Seafood Boil, among many more monikers. While a solid claim has yet to be made as to where the original recipe originates, it goes without saying that every coastal town in the South has its own recipe.
However, this isn’t a meal you cook by yourself – it’s a communal event – one that's best shared with friends and family. Young and old, everyone loves dropping ingredients into the massive melting pot and reveling in the sweet, juicy flavors.
Shrimp Boil Basics
Before we make any exciting additions, let’s get the basics down first. At the minimum, you’ll need an 8-quart pot, water or a broth of your choosing, garlic, small potatoes, your favorite kind of onion, corn, Old Bay or your favorite seafood seasoning and, of course, Gulf shrimp. To give you an idea of how the measurements tend to shake out, here’s a very basic shrimp boil recipe:
Ingredients
- 4 qts. water or broth
- 1 head of garlic, cut in half
- 1 large red onion, quartered
- 1 lb. small red potatoes
- 4 ears of corn, husked and halved
- 1¼ lbs. shrimp
- ½ cup seafood seasoning
Cooking Instructions
- As your water starts to boil, add in your seasonings and garlic.
- Once you have a rolling boil, add the potatoes first since they take the longest to cook.
- After 10 minutes, add the corn.
- Once that’s cooked for five minutes, toss in the shrimp for two to three more minutes.
- Keep an eye on the shrimp, as it cooks quickly in boiling water.
- Once the shrimp are cooked through, pull the food from the pot, place it on a tray and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, a little lemon juice and some melted butter.
Fun Additions to Try at Your Next Shrimp Boil
Even though they share some similarities, no two shrimp boil recipes are the same. Coastal cities across the country have a long, rich history with this dish, so wherever you go, you’ll find something familiar with a twist! But when you’re cooking them at home or for your restaurant’s patrons, here are some of the many additional ingredients we’ve found in a shrimp boil:
- Andouille or another type of smoked sausage
- Crab
- Celery, especially if you want to save the stock
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Alligator
- Your favorite beer
Where to Find the Best Gulf Shrimp
A great shrimp boil is marked by the quality of the shrimp – they’re the namesake after all! Whether you’re a greenhorn or seasoned veteran, the next time you need high-quality Gulf shrimp for your shrimp boil, order from Biloxi Shrimp Co. and utilize our great shipping deals for home chefs and eateries across the U.S.